This weekend I went to Palm Springs to see the in-laws, and I was saying to Father Cougs that I wished I bet on the Phillies to win the World Series back in November when we were in Vegas. He replied, “With all that blog money you have?” Then I went to the bathroom and told my reflection, “One day they’re not gonna laugh at you! I promise you that Reflection Grey!” Then, while sitting in a stall, I listened on my iPhone to the theme from Rocky, Gonna Fly Now, and stabilized my ego. Trying hard now! Gettin’ strong now! Gonna fly now! Any hoo! The newest favorite son of Philadelphia, Jake Arrieta, joined an already underrated starting rotation. I’d contend (for the welterweight championship) that Arrieta isn’t even their ace, that label goes to the guy draped in Mardi Gras beads, Nola. For a while, it appeared Arrieta was headed to Philly. I hear the hold up was due to Arrieta unable to find a special type of umbrella. “Do you have an umbrella that blocks thrown batteries?” In the top 40 starters, I said, “At this stage in Arrieta’s career, I don’t see his value changing much no matter where he signs. If he goes to Miller Park, Chase or Coors, then I’ll lower him a little, but I see no way I raise him up outside of a move to Petco, which doesn’t seem likely, because the Padres are playing for 2020, then, in 2020, they’ll be playing for 2023.” And that’s me quoting me! See, so nothing really changes, and I’m not looking to draft Arrieta suddenly, but a solid real world move for the Phils. Anyway, here’s what else I saw in spring training for 2018 fantasy baseball:

Psyche! Before we get into the roundup, there’s a $10 league signup today that needs some people. When we did the polling of what youse wanted in your fantasy leagues, a large majority of you wanted paid leagues, but I’m getting the feeling we may not be doing them next year, and go back to all free leagues. You don’t want to bet $10 to win $100 that you’re better than eleven others? C’mon, put that Jimmy John’s sub money where your mouth is! Hey, I could write ad copy. Anyway, the roundup:

Cam Bedrosian – In lead for the closer job in Los Angeles aka Anaheim. Blake Parker went out of his way to lose the closer job this spring, but, with The Sciosciapath, this is far from over. I’d imagine we’re talking about who’s closing for the Angels throughout the season. Or screaming at our computer monitors, at least. In my top 500, I moved Bedrosian up and Parker down.

Dominic Leone – Might be sneaking into the conversation for the Cards closer job. And you thought Dominic Leone was a country in West Africa. Silly, silly you. Not to be confused with Sillie Ewe, the President-elect of Dominic Leone, the country in West Africa that doesn’t exist. I’ve adjusted my top 500 for Leone. Don’t think he takes the job and runs with it, but he obviously needs to be drafted at this point.

Brandon Finnegan – Left yesterday’s game with a left lateral forearm spasm. This means when he was flexing his forearm that little bump that pops up started pulsing morse code for 911. In my top 100 starters, I didn’t give Finnegan anywhere close to a full season of IP due to his shoulder issues last year, so nothing’s really changed.

Anthony DeSclafani – Nursing a strained oblique, after having a sprained UCL last year, to go with the soreness he’s still feeling when he was stamped, “Fragile.” Insert emoji of a weeping child making an iPhone who just drafted DeSclafani. Much like Finnegan, in my top 100 starters, I had only projected DeSclafani for around 100 IP, so never thought he was throwing a full season, and nothing’s changed.

Jorge Bonifacio – Was suspended for 80 games for Boldenone, a controlled substance found in baby Tylenol. At least the baby Tylenol of Barry Bonds. This gives some room for Paulo Orlando to play, the Florida Project! I updated my top 100 outfielders.

Nick Delmonico – Partially dislocated his shoulder in a collision. That reminds me of Oscar winner, Crash, only without the clumsy racial overtones. I moved Delmonico in my top 100 outfielders and removed him from all other position rankings, because I was dopey and accidentally ranked him for the wrong position, and only one of you caught it six weeks later. Shame on you! You like how I displaced that blame, huh?

Matt Bush – Rangers said Bush will be used out of the bullpen. Sounds like the Rangers are playing with fire if Bush needs to ride the new bullpen cart onto the field. Hope the steering wheel has an Intoximeter. Bush is still in the top 500, but I removed him from the top 100 starters.

Delino DeShields – Rangers manager Banister announced DeShields would bat leadoff, steal 50 bases and learn when to use an em-dash vs. a semicolon. I haven’t adjusted anything with my DeShields projections in the top 80 outfielders, but I love to hear this, while trying to remain objective and know spring training boasts vary widely. Here’s my favorite from this preseason:

Lance Lynn – Signed with the Twins. Solid real baseball move by the Twins to sign Lynn, but it doesn’t make him more enticing for fantasy, due to his peripherals that were discussed in the top 60 starters blurb. Though, he will be trying to keep his BABIP in check again this year because he’ll be in another contract year. Kidding! Don’t buy the contract talk mumbo-slash-jumbo.

Jonathan Lucroy – Signed with the A’s. Remember when Gary Sanchez realized he had a, uh, nut allergy to foul tips? That’s the hit Lucroy’s value takes going to Oakland. He could barely hit a home run in Coors, and now he’s up against it in the field MC Hammer and Charley O built. Well, I wasn’t owning him prior to this, and I’m definitely not touching him now. He is ranked and projected in my top 20 catchers.

Hey Grey,
Philly fan here, excited to add some depth to a staff that needed it and has a strong bullpen.
I am really looking forward to how Kapler and his managerial philosophies work with the team and the young players, I for one am excited for the season and feel there is an outside shot at a wildcard if more things break right than wrong this year.

I have a keeper question for you. I can keep five players all drafted in the first five rounds in a keep forever league with OBP instead of AVG as the only deviation from the standard 5×5 categories 10 team league with 2 utl spots 3 OF and 1 IF slot besides the regular other positions.

I am keeping Nolan Torenado! Treat Urner, Au SHiz, and Bellinger, and then my decision is between Carlos Correa or Jose Ramirez. Really torn, lean slightly towards Correa in a keep forever league but could be convinced otherwise if there is a strong argument for Ramirez who I really like as well. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance :)

What if you already have two other leagues that are $50+ entry fees? Money don’t grow on trees contrary to Ancient Mayans belief in the money tree. Your argument could be made over and over again and before you know it you are investing thousands of dollars in league fees. Slippery slope Cram It. Slippery slope.

@Justin: for me its not about money. Im in a 200 and 300 12 team league. Adding on another 20 or 40 or 60 is no big deal but theres no way i can give them all my best effort. And if im gona play for money i want to able to be my best. I usually do 1 rcl a year and is 3rd in my pecking order by a mile. I get aksed by friends of friends to join leagues all the time that i decline for the same reason. And the rcl format is one of the most active league settings where daily im swappimg out rp and filling my roster with the free agents ect. so to play if correctly it takes up your time.

I also have a $100.00 league with a few spots left, payouts $700, $350, $150.
Draft is this Sunday, the 18th, at 1:00pm EST.
We’re the annual Night of the Living Zombinos RCL . . . it’s private, so email me at [email protected] to claim a spot!

In six years, we haven’t had a repeat winner, although I’m hoping to change that this year!

The RCL format is an incredibly fun way to play high-stakes fantasy baseball, and of course Razzballers are ALWAYS competitive. Plus, I’m stoked from what I’ve seen of Fantrax so far, so if you’re on the fence, join an RCL today. Ours, or one of the others in the lobby!

I’ve used fantrax for years and the order can be changed at the commish level. Unless there’s a reason as to why they’re changing it (based on who finished what, last year, etc.) and they tell you them soon, I’d get my hopes up.

I’m leaning DeShields (can he legit steal 50?) or Margot (15/25??) but is Nunez maybe the best bet because he’s eligible at 4 positions in my league…But then there’s Inciarte who seems to be a legit .300 hitter! Decisions decisions!

a. Will be drafting him for sure around 175ish? Is it too early? Too late? Would you rather have Bret Gardner or DeShizz at 175?

b. Am in day 1 of a 2-day training. It’s the same training as the one conducted end February!! Only the training facilitators are different. Plus one of the facilitators asked me to come for moral support, so there’s that. Plus, free lunch. I come from poverty so I still go ga-ga for a free buffet lunch.

Conveniently, the order of the remaining players in your top 20 exactly match the order from Rudy’s league setting-specific auction values…the top remaining picks in rank order are Trout, Harper, Betts, Machado, Bryant, Lindor, J. Ramirez, and Blackmon (the top 7 pitchers are off the board already).

Would you draft whoever is the highest remaining ranked player out of this pool when it gets to me (so, theoretically, Bryant)? Or target a different order of players based on my keepers/league? The existing rank seems reasonable to me, but I’m curious.

In a 13 team standard 5×5 yahoo rotisserie league with an auction draft. Each team can keep 3 guys with cost of the player being the average of: 2017 draft value + 2018 average auction value. We have a$260 budget. Out of these folks which three am I keeping?

NL Only 10 team keeper deadline today. We’re normal 5×5 categories and $260, but the twist is that everyone has to roster 2 2B and 2 SS (but only 3 total corner infielders). Top players usually go in the mid to low 30s.

With that in mind, I need to pick 5 of these 6 to keep (1 to cut). What do you all think?

@AlbiesTheRacistDragon: It is cheap, but the value on the others, given your settings, I think is better. Wood may have and innings limit, the Dodgers play with the 10 day DL like a new toy, and he is a bit of an injury risk.

Other option, if you keep Wood, I think I would lose Story. That’s not bad value, but maybe a bit high for an injury risk himself.

Quick question. I went to your subscription page and was curious about cost but I find the layout very confusing. Can you please either explain what it is, what we get and cost? Sorry maybe it’s just me.

in a 12 team roto keeper Auction, my keepers thus far are:
Jose Abreu. $25
J. Segura. 10
N. Castellanos. 3
L. Severino. 10
Aaron Nola. 4
A. Chapman. 15
I can keep 8 players. The other contenders:
Edwin Diaz. $10
Manny Margot. 10
Tim Anderson. 10
K. Gausman. 7
Mike Zunino. 10
Luke Weaver. 10
Which two of those six would you select? I also have Machado and Springer at $56 and $49 respectively—which is about what they will go for. It is a $300 budget league not a $260. Thanks for all your help.

Paul
MARCH 12, 2018REPLY
Could you help me out with a keeper question? I’m in a 12 team H2H $260 budget league with OBP and slugging instead of average and penalties for strikeouts. A lot of the heavy hitters (Correa, turner, Judge, Stanton, Altuve, Blackmon, Arenado) are being kept which has me leaning towards keeping Kris Bryant for $35. That leaves me with two more options:

My heart is leaning Darvish and Puig for the prices but I’m conflicted with Darvish this year and like Carrasco better. Davis also finished as the 28th hitter last year in those settings and I’m just completely at odds with who to keep. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

Draft hitters 1-7 to fill 1B through OF then take 11 pitchers in the remaining 14 rounds (non-pitchers in those rounds will be a UTIL, catcher and bench bat). Aiming for 8 starters plus Bradley, Robertson, and Harder.

I am in the process of preparing for my upcoming keeper draft in which I will have the first pick. We can keep five players. Right now, I have four locks – Betts, Lindor, Hoskins and Ray and am debating between Schoop and Devers for my final spot. It looks like there will be a strong group of players available for the first pick. This includes Freeman, Machado, Sale and one of either Stanton or Arenado. In addition, there is an outside possibility that one or more of the following players could be available – Altuve, Kershaw and/or Scherzer.

Based on this scenario, who would you keep for the final spot? I feel that Schoop is the safer pick but am leaning Devers given the upside.

Also, for the first pick, would you select “best player available”? If so, it looks like my choice will be between Machado and Stanton unless either Altuve or Arenado are unexpectedly made available.

@Hankg: Devers. How many teams in the league? For the first pick, I think I would rank them Arenado, Sale, Machado……unless the outside chance players are available. Altuve obviously no. 1, then Kershaw and Scherzer. I would take any of those 3 with the first pick.

He films from South Point, so I guess you can make bet there, but I’m not sure… I’ve never seen future bets like that in casino… They were also talking MVP bets, high on Seager at 18-1, which doesn’t seem bad… That feels more like a sucker bet tho, so uch has to break right to win MVP

Standard batters (individual OF spots) with Util and Pitching is 5 SP slots and 5 RP slots, 5 Bench (I’ve never played in something with so much RP’s)

I’m taking over for a team and these are the top guys available (with my suggested keepers), do you agree with keeping those guys or are there any you’d change (pitchers are hard to come by (popular in this league) after draft, not much trading either):

I’m all about your style of drafting (or not drafting top) starters and it always (mostly) works out for me.

I’m in a really strange spot this year, however, due to traded draft picks.

10 team league. 40 league keepers off the board to start. I have 4 picks in the first 3 rounds (two 2nd rounders) after that. From there….. not another pick until round 12 (150 players overall with keepers).

So the question is… Do I take my #2 pitcher in round 4 (names like Nola / Quitana / Castillo)? Or should I wait all the way to round 12 with names like J. Gray / Anderson / Duffy?

Was offered Springer for my Machado in my keeper league. Machado has 4th round value with control for next 2 years losing a round each year. Springer is 6th round with 4 more years of control with the same deal.

I have Correa, Turner and Arenado so Machado frees up flexibility in my roster but would you say you like the tradeoff? I also get my 4th round pick back

Man, I kinda wish the NFBC draft would drag out a little longer. So many position battles, it’s tough to get a read on who will get a starting OF position or rotation spot. So much research for a 13th pitcher! This is where gut instinct really pays off for a fantasy manager. You can’t teach it.

@Member Berries: Lynn is a replaceable pitcher. Renfroe might be useful beyond this year. Brantley, Renfroe, Lynn…all of these guys are expendable as they’re not going to help you win unless you’re in a 20 team league.

AL-only keeper questions:
1. Would you pay a premium to keep Semien ($20 to keep vs. $13.7 Razz auction value) given the scarcity of AL steals and the fact that I project few SS to be available at auction (Cozart and Iglesias the only ones projected to offer more than $1 in value), or keep a dollar player and use the extra $$$ at auction?
2. Pick 2 RP keepers: Brach $7, B. Parker $1, Kela $1.
3. Would you keep all 3 of those RP and throw a $10 Reddick (projected $15.8 value) back?

Hey Grey, loving all the work you guys have put in this offseason it’s been really helpful. With that said, I gotta bother you one last time with keepers I have to have them in this week. It’s H2H points league – lose points for Ks, GDPs. Batter so far a point for each AB and most other offensive categories apply. Pitchers lose points for hit batters, ERs, BSs and they gain points for all the other usual categories. Roster is limited to 6 SP 3 RP 6 OF and than 2 of every other position. I’ve guessed a few opponents keepers and the first round this year should have the likes of lindor, rizzo (both of those are currently on my team as 1st and 2nd round respectively) Jose Abreu, Yelich, Justin turner, Nelson Cruz, merrifield, Shaw, Cano and Longoria….As of now I’m leaning towards keeping Jose Ramirez (counts as 5th round) bellinger (25th) Hoskins (25th) acuna (25th) and moncada (25th). I love the potential and the value of a 25th round moncada but would you keep him (pr trade him or any of those other 4 out) at the spot over lindor (1st rd) rizzo (2nd rd) carrasco (7th rd) Robbie ray (15th rd) sano (25th rd)? I’m really struggling with keeping moncada over lindor or rizzo even if they’re that high of a round anyway they would still be worth it. But at the same time I should have a chance at drafting one of the two of them in the first round anyway? Thanks for your help Grey!

@Grey: there are 10 teams so nothing too crazy – sale and scherzer will also be available then so someone might go for one of them too I really don’t want to be stuck without either of them but if I keep one of them and moncada ands up being amazing I’m going to be livid haha but I still have Hoskins belly and acuna that’s why I kind of wanted the reliable performance of lindor or rizzo

Hey grey, good pre draft info by you and the razzball staff. One question in a dynasty 6×6 16 team leagues were holds count the same as saves. Is there a winner in this trade or fairly even?, LLynn/GHolland for JTeheran/TMancini. Thanks kindly

@MattTruss: @Old School Brother: Haha incredible. It’s wonky how the ranks on Fantrax are first set to like points I guess? All pitchers at the top. Should somehow make the set ranks by ADP first for the autodrafters

@Grey: Don’t be Foohled, he’s in the Crab Slack chat everyday talking with his Crab buddies even though he isn’t in the league and they even got him to unretire from fantasy. He’s a Claw-Rider. Just has to throw shade cuz he’s, well…

btw no spoilers or anything, but just finished Season 1 and scrolled down next season episode list. I mean wtf. Every dude who gets killed in this show gets an extra couple bullets in the head. Except one guy, right!! Capi?? Now I haven’t seen what the explanation is yet so maybe I am just being prematurely whiny. Discuss.

This question goes back to another commenter’s post that I’ve been thinking about since last week. I’m in a 6×6 10 team Keeeper. We keep 5 players forever, no round forfeits.

R/ HR / RBI / SB / OBP / SLG
QS / Ks/ ERA / WHIP/ Saves / Holds

Keepers: Harper, Treat, Machado, Bellinger, Robbie Ray

I have the 4th overall pick in the draft. Based off everyone’s rosters, I expect at least one of the following 6 players to be available for me at that pick. Can you rank the top 3 that you’d target from this list for this league?

@knucks: In a keep forever league, I’d rank Acuna first there. Looks like Marte with more power. As good as Hoskins looks (especially in an OBP format), that’s much harder to find than a mid-30s power bat.

@Grey: 12 team weekly roto with two keepers per team which must be taken in 4th round or later. debating between story in the 21st (for two years) or moncada in the 19th (for 3 years). too close to call? any preference?

Hey Grey how much do you think Drury and walkers signings will affect Gleyber s value in a keeper league? Was set in keeping him as 25th rounder but now am wondering if I should keep Marwin Gonzalez, cespedes or Luis Castillo instead (all also 25th rds)? Thanks Grey

Finally have my second draft tomorrow night. I drew the 7th pick. Chomping at the bit after seeing all of the RCL and slow draft results being posted here.

After owning Bedrosian last year, all I can say is good luck to whoever decides to partake in that mess. The Sciosciapath will have you regretting that decision by mid-April. I’d rather take a chance on the Cardinals situation. Could grab Norris and Leone cheaply and hope that one of them runs with the job.

Just saw that Vogt had a setback with his shoulder. Pina looks like an interesting option in two catcher leagues for those who decide to punt their 2nd. Might go .270/15. Jett Bandy is garbage. He shouldn’t see much playing time.

Don’t disagree, but did draft Bedrosian in the 24th round of a 15 teamer of NFBC, so fine taking risk that late… It won’t be pretty though as you accurately point out… I saw someone say Pina was glove first, but I agree with you, I don’t mind him as a 2nd catcher…Vogt sounds headed for a 175 ABs type year… In the 38th round, here’s my last 12 picks:

@Grey: Those drafts really live up to their name, eh? Nothing wrong with Bedrosian at pick 300+. Might as well take a shot there. I was thinking that he’s a reach around 250 or earlier.

I like most of these picks. Pence will likely be useful for you at some point. Same with Andriese. It can be tough to find starting pitching that won’t destroy your ratios this deep, but he should be a decent matchup guy (just avoid the Yankees and Red Sox starts).

Yeah, I’m just trying to get IP and ABs… I took Dahl and didn’t plan on him being my upside flyer (usually wait on that), but he is now, and Adames is same… I have Tout Wars this coming weekend, headed to NYC (actually Staten Island is where it’s being held, don’t ask)…

@Grey: I still like Dahl… until the Rockies sign Reynolds, that is. Think he’ll see some ABs… Adames is definitely more of a boom or bust pick. The Rays are likely to be extra cautious with the clocks of their youngsters… Good luck at Tout. Do you know your draft slot yet?

@Big Magoo: I got the first pick and its OBP. I dont want to draft Turner for the whole long term dependent on speed thing so Im mulling over Bryant, Nolan, Freeman, Bellinger and Rizzo. Im not considering Hrper because its NL only and if he signs AL im fucked. Im looking at guys locked in for a long time in the NL with a corner spot

What if it’s give rizzo and severino for one of the above? Can only keep 6 players/ year. (Severino is a 7th keeper for me, so I wouldn’t keep either way, have Bellinger and goldy at 1st already. Trying to improve my 6 if you think either is a upgrade on rizzo)

So… I can either keep Trea Turner rd 1 OR keep Schoop rd 11 and have a 1st rd pick. Looking like machado or correa. Other keepers are Bellinger and Jose ramirez
So which side would you go with? I’m leaning machado/correa and schoop. Cheap speed later